Japanese name: アシスタシア イントルサ Scientific name:Asystasia intrusa
[Overview]
An evergreen perennial or subshrub about 60–100 cm tall.
The base of the stem becomes woody.
Leaves are simple and opposite, ovate, 6–8 cm long, with entire margins.
Racemes arise at the stem tips.
The flowers are funnel-shaped, about 2–3 cm across, with a 5-lobed tip.
The flowers are reddish purple, with a white edge on the petal margins.
The bracts are small and inconspicuous.
[Cultivation]
Propagate by cuttings; it is easy, as roots form from nodes that touch the ground.
It prefers sunny, well-drained soil.
It is not cold-hardy, so bring it indoors to a sunny spot in winter.
From spring to autumn, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; keep it on the dry side in winter.
From spring to autumn, apply slow-release fertilizer placed on the soil.
If cut back after flowering, side shoots grow and a second bloom can be enjoyed.
There are no particular pests or diseases.
